By Amy Cook, MBA, Director of Training, NAMI NH
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and it is among the leading causes of death for people in their prime working years. Nearly 80% of people who die by suicide are of working age, making the workplace is a critical setting for prevention and support. After all, work is where we spend much of our time.
It also makes good business sense. Untreated mental health issues cost U.S. employers an estimated $105 billion each year, and globally, depression and anxiety account for 12 billion lost workdays.
But many business leaders and managers just don’t know where to start with this. Many believe the persistent myth that talking about suicide will plant the idea in someone’s mind. In reality, talking about suicide is not harmful; silence is. Open, honest conversations can save lives and reduce stigma. Here are some steps to help you begin.
Make Help Accessible. Start by taking stock of your benefits package. Are mental health services adequately covered? Does your health insurance include a strong Employee Assistance Program, and do employees know how to access it? Solicit anonymous feedback from your team, so that you can identify gaps in coverage. It is also important to remind teams that support exists outside the workplace. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7, and additional resources are available at naminh.org/crisis-lines. Make sure that information about those sorts of resources is posted prominently around the office.
Create the Climate. Policies and posters alone are not enough. Offhand comments or jokes can quickly undermine even the best intentions. Leaders must actively shape a workplace culture where people feel safe discussing mental health. Modeling thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive language sets the tone. Avoid stigmatizing terms like “crazy” or “psycho,” and be mindful of using words like “depressed” casually. How we talk about mental health sends a powerful message about whether support is truly welcome.
Walk the Walk. While technology allows us to work around the clock, leaders should be clear about when employees are, and are not, expected to be available. Avoid sending emails or messages outside of business hours when possible, and use scheduling tools to delay delivery. Be proactive in explaining how you will communicate in a true emergency. These small actions show that you genuinely value well-being and encourage healthy boundaries.
Train Your Team. Education is essential. The Connect Program is one of the most respected suicide prevention training programs in the world. It can be completed in as little as two hours and is tailored to each workplace, including remote teams. Participants learn how to recognize warning signs, what to say and do to help someone at risk, and how workplaces can support the mental health of employees and their families.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace is not about having all the answers. It is about committing to care, conversation, and action.
